The Sokoto State Government has announced plans to introduce free delivery kits for women giving birth in public health facilities as part of renewed efforts to reduce maternal and newborn mortality across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Abubakar, disclosed this during the dissemination of the Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care assessment report in Sokoto.
Abubakar said the government would also provide solar lighting for labour rooms and maternity units while strengthening antenatal care services to address some of the challenges contributing to maternal and infant deaths.
According to him, Sokoto has recorded progress in key health indicators, including improved immunisation coverage and a gradual decline in maternal and child mortality. However, he acknowledged that more interventions were needed to sustain the progress.
The commissioner identified three major delays responsible for maternal mortality: delays in seeking medical attention, delays in reaching health facilities and delays in receiving adequate medical care.
He said the assessment would help stakeholders identify critical gaps, improve resource allocation and strengthen coordination among government agencies and development partners.
Abubakar also disclosed that more than 60 per cent of resolutions reached at the National Health Council had been implemented in Sokoto State, while stressing the need for further investment and reforms in the health sector.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State ALGON Chairman, Abba Shehu, called for the extension of the maternal healthcare interventions to all 23 local government areas, particularly rural communities.
He said stronger involvement of traditional and community leaders would be necessary to ensure that women in hard-to-reach areas benefit from the initiatives.
The Chairman of the Sokoto State House Committee on Health, Kabiru Dauda, also pledged legislative support for policies and programmes aimed at protecting pregnant women and children and improving access to quality healthcare.
The UNFPA Sokoto Field Office representative, Dr Rabi Sagir, urged stakeholders to translate the findings of the assessment into practical interventions capable of improving the availability, quality and accessibility of emergency obstetric and newborn care services across the state.
The initiative is expected to strengthen maternal healthcare delivery in Sokoto and contribute to efforts to reduce preventable deaths among women and newborns.
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